The Crucifix Killer – Chris Carter Robert Hunter #1)

Blurb:  The first Robert Hunter thriller, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of One by One and An Evil Mind

When the body of a young woman is discovered in a derelict cottage in the middle of Los Angeles National Forest, Homicide Detective Robert Hunter finds himself entering a horrific and recurring nightmare. Naked, strung from two wooden posts, the victim was sadistically tortured before meeting an excruciatingly painful death. All the skin has been ripped from her face – while she was still alive. On the nape of her neck has been carved a strange double-cross: the signature of a psychopath known as the Crucifix Killer.

But that’s impossible. Because two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed. Could this therefore be a copycat killer? Or could the unthinkable be true? Is the real killer still out there, ready to embark once again on a vicious and violent killing spree, selecting his victims seemingly at random, taunting Robert Hunter with his inability to catch him?

Hunter and his rookie partner are about to enter a nightmare beyond imagining.

My Review:  I must admit to being rather late to the Robert Hunter fan club as I have been told to read this series for years by members of THE Book Club on FB but I always seemed to have other books I needed to read first.  Eventually during the summer I took the plunge and boy this did not disappoint.  Yes it is gruesome and gory, yes it has a tortured detective, yes it has a very twisted serial killer and yes it ticked all the boxes for a cracking start to this series.  I’ve already downloaded the rest of the books and can’t wait to read them all.

About the author: Chris Carter was born in Brasilia, Brazil where he spent my childhood and teenage years. After graduating from high school, he moved to the USA where he studied psychology with specialization in criminal behaviour. During his University years he held a variety of odd jobs, ranging from flipping burgers to being part of an all male exotic dancing group.

He worked as a criminal psychologist for several years before moving to Los Angeles, where he swapped the suits and briefcases for ripped jeans, bandanas and an electric guitar. After a spell playing for several well known glam rock bands, he decided to try my luck in London, where he was fortunate enough to have played for a number of famous artists.  He toured the world several times as a professional musician.  A few years ago he gave it all up to become a full time writer

Books in order:

1.  The Crucifix Killer
2. The Executioner
3. The Night Stalker
4. The Death Sculptor
5. One by One
6. An Evil Mind
7. I am Death
8. The Caller